I hope our study of Leviticus is in some way, helping us to understand in greater depth, the magnificent sufficiency of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament pointed towards Him and the New Testament proclaims Him. For those who believe in Him, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13). That kingdom, while we are here on earth, is His church, the body of Christ. As we sojourn here, we will face “various trials” (1st Peter 1:6) that in part, are there to help “produce patience” (James 1:3) and eventually find us “lacking nothing” (James 1:4). These same trials seek then, to help reveal the “genuineness of your faith” (1st Peter 1:7). Just how genuine is my faith?
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Psalm 43:5
This word disquieted means to be in great commotion or turmoil. This turmoil can be the result of frustration with what God is doing, or not doing (Jonah), or it could be the result of what we are doing or not doing (Peter). Faith can waver at times. Faith, my faith, can seem fragile and weak. Jesus confronted His disciples for their lack of faith in healing a youth boy in Matthew 17 saying, “[I]f you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (v20). I desire such “mustard seed” faith. Not so I can move a mountain; but rather, so I can journey through this life faithfully serving Him. So how can I find such faith?
Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
The rest of Psalm 43:5
There is a beautiful story of faith found in Daniel, chapter 3. If you recall, king Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and commanded the people to “fall down and worship the gold image” (v6) when they hear instruments playing in symphony. As the story goes, certain Chaldeans came forward and accused three Jews, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, of not complying with the command. Furious, the king has them brought before him and commands them, once again, to worship the idle, saying, “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” (v15). Their answer is powerful! Not simply because they were confident that God could save them. Listen to these words, “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (v18). No matter what, God will be first!
Sometimes in life, one’s faith is tested beyond what is seemingly bearable. Maybe, like Jonah, we don’t like what God is doing or allowing. Maybe, like Peter, the turmoil within is our own doing. Regardless of the reason, there can be a war going on inside of us. Sometimes the answer is simply this; no matter what, I am going to trust in God and walk His path…period! Our hope is in You, O God.
Dennis
